Chicken and Dumplings

Introduction

If you’re craving comfort food that’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, look no further than Chicken and Dumplings. This classic dish is the ultimate cozy meal that brings together tender chicken, a savory broth, and soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just to indulge in a bowl of homemade goodness, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

The beauty of Chicken and Dumplings lies in its simplicity. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home—of warm kitchens and the smell of a bubbling pot on the stove. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create something truly satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Let’s dive into the magic of this classic dish and see how you can bring it to life in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons you’ll fall head over heels for Chicken and Dumplings:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Nothing beats the cozy feeling of a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumplings.
• Perfectly Hearty: This dish is filling and satisfying, making it perfect for chilly nights.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you don’t need to be a pro to whip this up.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the creamy broth and tender dumplings.
• One-Pot Wonder: This dish comes together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken and Dumplings is a meal that won’t break the bank, making it great for feeding a crowd.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or seasonings to make this dish your own.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for leftovers.
• Quick to Prepare: Once everything’s simmering on the stove, you can just relax and let the flavors meld together.
• Feel-Good Dish: It’s the type of food that’s sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate Chicken and Dumplings:

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Tender chicken breasts or thighs create the base of the dish, adding protein and flavor to the broth.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful broth makes the base of the soup, offering richness and depth.
• Dumplings: Soft, fluffy dumplings add a comforting texture to the dish, soaking up the savory broth.
• Carrots and Celery: Classic ingredients that add freshness and crunch to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: For those who like a creamier broth, adding heavy cream brings richness and smoothness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your perfect Chicken and Dumplings:

Make the Chicken and Broth

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
4. Make the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, and stir to combine. If you like a creamier broth, add the heavy cream now and stir.

Prepare the Dumplings

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using).
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough—lumps are okay.
3. Drop the Dumplings: Using a spoon, drop the dumpling batter by heaping spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Make sure they’re spaced out, as they’ll puff up as they cook.
4. Simmer the Dumplings: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is necessary for the dumplings to cook through. After 15 minutes, check the dumplings by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re done.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Final Touch: Once the dumplings are cooked, give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley, if desired.
2. Serve: Ladle the chicken, broth, and dumplings into bowls, and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread for dipping!

How to Serve

Here are some great ideas for serving your Chicken and Dumplings:

1. Serve in Bowls: The most classic way to serve this dish is in deep bowls, allowing the dumplings to soak up all the rich broth.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Pair with Bread: Serve with a loaf of warm, crusty bread on the side to dip into the broth.
4. Top with Parmesan: If you love cheese, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top of the dumplings just before serving.
5. Pair with a Salad: For a lighter touch, serve your Chicken and Dumplings with a simple green salad.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to elevate your Chicken and Dumplings:

1. Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken and simmer it with the broth. The bones will add richness to the soup.
2. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for a different twist.
3. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce for a bit of heat in your dish.
4. Use Buttermilk for the Dumplings: If you prefer a tangy twist, substitute buttermilk for the whole milk in the dumplings.
5. Leftovers: This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

• Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off option, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Add the dumplings in the last hour of cooking.
• Herb Dumplings: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dumpling dough for added flavor.
• Shredded Chicken: Instead of using chicken breast or thighs, you can use rotisserie chicken or shred the chicken into smaller pieces for a different texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth and more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Gluten-Free Dumplings: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings if you’re gluten-sensitive.

Freezing and Storage

You can freeze this dish to enjoy later:

• Storage: Store any leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the chicken and broth (without dumplings) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove and cook fresh dumplings.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until hot. If the broth thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

faq section

If you’re new to making Chicken and Dumplings or just want to make sure you’re on the right track, check out these frequently asked questions for some helpful tips and answers!

• Can I use frozen chicken?
• Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the broth. You may need to simmer it a bit longer if it’s frozen.
• Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
• Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish, making them a great choice.
• How do I prevent the dumplings from getting too dense?
• Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter. The more you stir, the denser they can become. Mix until just combined, and let the dumplings steam without lifting the lid to keep them light and fluffy.
• Can I add other vegetables to the broth?
• Yes! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans to the broth for added texture and flavor.
• How do I store leftovers?
• Store any leftover Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup (without the dumplings) for up to 3 months.
• Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
• Yes! Add all the ingredients (except the dumplings) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Add the dumplings in the last hour of cooking.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Dumplings is the kind of dish that warms your soul and makes you feel at home. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy meal. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy cooking!